Monday, July 9, 2012

Sniffle, cough...atchoo!!!

July already. Endless days of
100F and hotter. Hard to believe it won't be long until fall will be
here. And of course fall is followed by winter. Might just be part of
my eccentricity but I'm already thinking about the sniffles and
miserable afflictions that come with the changing seasons. Let's start a
new batch of Spicy Cold Remedy!

This remedy
smells likes a spicy version of bread and butter pickles. Not a smell
that I cherish but it could be worse, right? I won't go into the more
technical aspects unless you ask but each of the ingredients has
specific medicinal properties that combined make up a strong remedy to
clear up congestion when you get a cold.

An additional bonus, if you need one, is that this is all natural and much cheaper than a small
bottle of cough syrup you could buy from a store.

I
will add pictures to the post once I start to put it all together. It
takes 3 weeks to brew, which is why I want to start now. The recipe
makes 1/2 quart. I shared with a couple of sick soldiers earlier this
year (who were amazed with it's effectiveness) so last years double
batch got depleted. It will last two years kept in an airtight jar in
the fridge.

Let me say this. It is not a cure.
It is a symptom remedy. It helps you feel better by addressing the
symptoms. If you continue to be sick please see a doctor. And although
it is alcohol free please - *Not for use with small children!*

3 Tablespoons each of the following:

minced onion

minced garlic

grated ginger

grated horseradish

mustard seeds

black peppercorns

1 whole cayenne diced or 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Place all the ingredients in a 1 pint Ball jar.

Add 1 cup apple cider vinegar.

Cover
jar tightly. Shake to combine all ingredients. Make sure all
ingredients are covered by the vinegar after shaking. Leave on counter
for two to three weeks and shake daily.

After
two or three weeks strain through very fine sieve or cheesecloth. Save liquid
and toss spices. Using a clean jar pour liquid in and add 1/3 to 1/2 cup
honey depending on your taste. (Use local honey if at all possible. There is a reason but to detailed for here.) Mix to combine. Store covered in fridge.

Simple recipe but not as effective. (great for sore throats, minor coughs and laryngitis)

3/4 cup honey

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

enough whiskey to make 1 cup

Heat
honey just until warm. Stir in lemon juice until combine. Add whiskey
to make one cup. Store covered in fridge. Use 1 oz when needed for
relief. (Whiskey can be omitted and it is still effective.) Syrup can be
slightly warmed for a more soothing effect or put into a cup of hot tea.